Lykanthera® - Wolf-Cats

Lykanthera Kitten "Ghostface" in blue husky color, latent blue-eyed, short hair

(Mid-White Husky)

EMS: LKT a 07 69 82

History of the Lykanthera®

The Lykanthera® is a young cat breed whose origin did not stem from a planned breeding program, but rather from a spontaneous genetic mutation.

It all began with a female kitten found near a farm in the Berlin area. Her parents are unknown. Early on, however, she displayed a distinctive coat pattern that clearly differed from known white-spotting patterns. The color distribution resembled the look of huskies or wolves and appeared almost symmetrical, flowing naturally rather than in a uniform pattern.

Genetically, this represents a spontaneous mutation in the KIT gene, which in cats is responsible for white spotting. This mutation differs visually from known white patterns and has been referred to as “Husky” within the breeding program. Based on current knowledge, it is not related to existing breeds with similar appearances. Since there is currently no specific genetic test for this variant, it cannot be conclusively determined whether it is the same or a distinct gene. For this reason, the breed has been carefully controlled, documented, and transparently developed from the very beginning.

After extensive veterinary examinations and genetic testing, it was decided not to propagate this mutation uncontrolled, but rather to establish a new breed under strict health and breeding guidelines: the Lykanthera®.

Breeding Goals

The breeding goals for the Lykanthera® are clearly defined and based on three equally important pillars: health, appearance, and character.

The aim is a robust, lively cat with a stable and balanced temperament, free of extreme physical traits, combined with a unique husky- or wolf-like coat pattern and the possibility of brown, blue, or even heterochromatic eyes (two different-colored eyes).

Beyond physical health and the distinctive appearance, the breeding program deliberately emphasizes a highly people-oriented and affectionate personality. Many Lykanthera® cats exhibit a strong need for closeness, actively seek physical contact, and form deep bonds with their human companions. This friendly, trusting, and socially oriented behavior is intended to remain a permanent feature of the breed.

Thus, the Lykanthera® is meant to be a healthy, characterful, and visually unique cat that impresses not only with its wolf-like appearance but also with its exceptionally human-oriented temperament.

The Lykanthera® should:

Be free from traits associated with harmful breeding
Have no hair loss or reduced coat structure
Have no extreme head shapes or respiratory issues
Possess a normal, functional set of teeth
Have a long life expectancy
Exhibit a stable, human-oriented personality

At the same time, the characteristic husky-like coat pattern is preserved and stabilized.

The Lykanthera® is not bred for short-term success but rather with a long-term, controlled approach aimed at establishing a healthy, independent breed foundation.

Lykanthera® as an Emotional Support Animal

The Lykanthera® is notable not only for its unique husky-like coat pattern but also for its exceptionally close and intuitive relationship with humans.

Within the breeding program, many Lykanthera® cats have demonstrated a particularly stable, affectionate, and emotionally sensitive temperament. They form deep bonds with their human companions, actively seek contact, and display a high level of trust and cooperativeness. Many voluntarily accompany their humans throughout the day and prefer to remain close by.

Because of these traits, Lykanthera® cats are especially well-suited as emotional support animals. Their calm, stable nature, combined with heightened sensitivity, allows for an exceptionally close and trusting human-animal relationship.

A key component of the Lykanthera® breeding program is targeted early socialization and gentle exposure to everyday situations, including gradual, stress-free acclimatization to harnesses and leashes.

Many Lykanthera® cats can safely and confidently move outdoors with their humans. Some display remarkable trust, voluntarily sitting on shoulders or staying closely nearby without stress or anxiety.

This behavior is never forced but instead arises naturally from trust, early imprinting, and the breed’s cooperative temperament.

Distinction from Other Breeds

The Lykanthera® is genetically and phenotypically distinct from the Lykoi breed. While Lykoi cats are characterized by a mutation that causes partial hair loss and reduced coat density, Lykanthera® cats have fully developed, normal coats without hairless areas.

The characteristic husky- or wolf-like pattern of the Lykanthera® arises from a different genetic variation, which may be related to the KIT gene responsible for white spotting in cats. This mutation affects only the coat pattern, not the coat structure.

Lykanthera® cats therefore do not experience genetically caused hair loss and are not considered a reduced-hair breed. For this reason, the Lykanthera® is not a product of harmful breeding but rather a naturally coated breed with a unique coat pattern.

Lykanthera Kitten "Ghostemane" in blue husky color, short hair

(Low-White-Husky)

EMS: LKT a 07 62 82

Breed Standard (Summary)

General Type

The Lykanthera® is a medium to strong cat with a muscular, balanced body. It appears sturdy without being heavy or clumsy.

Body

Strong bone structure
Well-muscled, compact body
Round, deep chest
Proportional overall appearance

Head

Harmoniously shaped head
Gentle contours
No extremely short nose
Distinct but not exaggerated stop
Strong chin

Ears

Medium-sized
Broadly set
Slightly rounded at the tips

Eyes

Large, open, and expressive
Slightly rounded
Permitted colors according to breed regulations

Coat

Dense, soft, and fully developed
Both shorthair and longhair accepted
No hair loss
No reduced coat quality

Colors & Patterns of the Lykanthera®

The Lykanthera® is exclusively bred for the Husky pattern. This unique coat pattern arises from a special form of white spotting and is classified under the “amounts of white.”

The Husky factor gives the cat a wolf-like, naturally appearing look, where the color blends irregularly with white. Depending on the amount of white, the contrast can appear stronger or softer.

The new Husky designation is listed under the EMS code 07.

EMS Breed Code
Lykanthera®: LKT

Coat Lengths

Shorthair: EMS 82
Longhair: EMS 81

Both coat lengths are equally recognized.

Husky Pattern (EMS 07)

The amount of white can vary and is not considered a fault. The categories are:

Low White: approx. 5–40% white
Mid White: approx. 40–60% white
High White: over 60% white

The higher the white percentage, the more pronounced the Husky or wolf-like appearance.

Permitted Colors

Solid Husky

Black Husky – n 07
Blue Husky – a 07
Chocolate Husky – b 07
Lilac Husky – c 07
Red Husky – d 07
Cream Husky – e 07
Cinnamon Husky – o 07
Fawn Husky – p 07

Tortie Husky

Black Tortie Husky – f 07
Blue Tortie Husky – g 07
Chocolate Tortie Husky – h 07
Lilac Tortie Husky – j 07
Cinnamon Tortie Husky – q 07
Fawn Tortie Husky – r 07

Ticked Tabby Husky

Black Ticked Tabby Husky – n 25 07
Blue Ticked Tabby Husky – a 25 07
Chocolate Ticked Tabby Husky – b 25 07
Lilac Ticked Tabby Husky – c 25 07
Red Ticked Tabby Husky – d 25 07
Cream Ticked Tabby Husky – e 25 07
Cinnamon Ticked Tabby Husky – o 25 07
Fawn Ticked Tabby Husky – p 25 07

Tortie Ticked Tabby Husky

Black Tortie Ticked Tabby Husky – f 25 07
Blue Tortie Ticked Tabby Husky – g 25 07
Chocolate Tortie Ticked Tabby Husky – h 25 07
Lilac Tortie Ticked Tabby Husky – j 25 07
Cinnamon Tortie Ticked Tabby Husky – q 25 07
Fawn Tortie Ticked Tabby Husky – r 25 07

Tabby Regulation

All breeding cats should be genetically ticked.

From the fifth generation onwards, this is mandatory.

If other tabby patterns appear:

They may be registered as Lykanthera®
They will not be permitted for breeding

Disallowed Traits

Point and point carriers
Completely white cats

These traits are excluded within the Lykanthera® program.

Purpose of the Color Selection

The strict definition of colors and patterns serves to:

Stabilize the Husky look
Clearly distinguish the breed from existing breeds
Ensure long-term uniformity of the breed

The Lykanthera® should be immediately recognizable visually, without developing extreme or health-compromising traits.

Eye Colors of the Lykanthera®

The eye color of the Lykanthera® is a central feature of the breed and contributes significantly to its expressive, wolf-like appearance.

The goal is a wide variety of clearly defined eye colors without compromising the cats’ health.

Eye color is strictly regulated and carefully combined in breeding to avoid unwanted genetic risks.

Permitted Eye Colors (EMS Codes)

The following eye colors are recognized within the Lykanthera® breed:

Dominant Blue Eyes (60): Clear, intense blue eyes, dominantly inherited.
Orange Eyes (62): Warm, golden to copper-colored eyes.
Dominant Odd Eyes (63/1): Two differently colored eyes, dominantly inherited.
Green Eyes (64): Green eyes in various shades.
Mosaic (68): Multi-colored eyes with visible color blending within a single eye, dominantly inherited.
Latent Blue Eyes (69): No visible blue eyes, but genetically capable of passing on dominant blue or odd eyes.

Breeding Rules for Eye Colors

To minimize health risks, particularly in connection with white spotting and dominant eye colors, the following mating rules apply:

Permitted Pairings

Orange Eyes × Dominant Blue, Dominant Odd, Latent Blue, Green, Orange, Mosaic
Green Eyes × Dominant Blue, Dominant Odd, Latent Blue, Green, Orange, Mosaic

Prohibited Pairings

Dominant Odd Eyes × Dominant Odd, Dominant Blue, Latent Blue, Mosaic
Dominant Blue Eyes × Dominant Odd, Dominant Blue, Latent Blue, Mosaic
Latent Blue Eyes × Dominant Odd, Dominant Blue, Latent Blue, Mosaic

Purpose of Eye Color Regulation

These rules exist solely to protect the health of the cats and ensure the long-term stability of the breed.
Controlled pairings reduce the risk of negative genetic effects without limiting the desired diversity of eye colors.

The Lykanthera® is intended to impress with clear, expressive eyes, a strong presence, and responsible genetic stewardship.

Trademark Registration of the Lykanthera®

The name Lykanthera® is registered as a word mark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and serves to protect the breed within the European Union.

This registration ensures that the name Lykanthera® is used exclusively for cats that meet the defined breeding standards and rules of the Lykanthera® breeding program. It preserves the integrity of the breed and prevents the name from being used without compliance with established health and breeding standards.

Purpose of the Trademark Registration
The registration is not for commercial purposes but serves two key goals:

Breed Protection: Only cats that meet the defined standards – in terms of health, colors, patterns, eye colors, and breeding guidelines – may be marketed under the name Lykanthera®.
Ensuring Responsible Breeding: Use of the name is license-based. Violations of breeding rules, such as bypassing health regulations or selling unverified cats, may lead to legal consequences, protecting both the animals and the integrity of the breed.

License System
Any breeder wishing to breed Lykanthera® cats must hold a valid license.
Licenses are tied to compliance with health and breeding standards.
Violations can result in license revocation and prohibition from using the name.

Trademark Status
The Lykanthera® trademark is registered with the EUIPO under application number 019267879 as a European Union word mark.
This registration protects the name throughout the EU and allows it to be used with the ® symbol.

Trademark protection ensures that Lykanthera® is used exclusively for cats that meet the defined breeding standards and rules. Use outside of this framework is prohibited and may be legally enforced.

The trademark primarily serves to protect the breed itself, ensuring controlled, transparent, and health-conscious breeding and preventing misuse of the name for cats that do not meet the established quality and health standards.